Ion generation apparatus and electric equipment

ABSTRACT

Each of first to fourth needle-like electrodes is arranged such that a direction of extension thereof is parallel, and generates ions by discharge. Through a space, a gas for conveying the ions generated by the first to fourth needle-like electrodes flows. Needle tips of the first needle-like electrode and the second needle-like electrode protrude from a first wall surface that forms the space, are spaced apart from each other, and are arranged in line in the space. Needle tips of the third needle-like electrode and the fourth needle-like electrode protrude from a second wall surface that forms the space and faces the first wall surface, are spaced apart from each other, and are arranged in line in the space. The first needle-like electrode and the fourth needle-like electrode generate positive ions, and the second needle-like electrode and the third needle-like electrode generate negative ions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an ion generation apparatus andelectric equipment, and particularly to an ion generation apparatusincluding a plurality of needle-like electrodes, and electric equipmentusing the ion generation apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Ion generation apparatuses have conventionally been used forpurification, sterilization, deodorization, or the like of air in aroom. Many of the ion generation apparatuses generate positive ions andnegative ions by corona discharge.

According to a static eliminator described in Japanese PatentLaying-Open No. 2011-14319 (PTD 1), discharge needles are provided suchthat a longitudinal direction thereof corresponds to a directionorthogonal to an air blowout direction. When a high voltage is appliedto these discharge needles and corona discharge occurs, the air aroundtips of the discharge needles are ionized and the ionized air is blownout by the air blowing operation of a sirocco fan, thereby removingstatic electricity of an electronic component.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

PTD 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2011-14319

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

According to the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.2011-14319 (PTD 1), a pair of discharge needles for generating ions arearranged on the same wall surface, and a plate-like induction electrodeis arranged to face needle tips of the discharge needles. In this case,ions are not generated from the plate-like induction electrode side, andthus, the ions in an air flow path are considered to be unevenlydistributed to the discharge needle side. When the sirocco fan or thelike is used to blow the air into a room with such uneven ionconcentration, it is difficult to obtain a highly-concentrated ionregion over a wide range in the room space, even if a high ionconcentration is obtained on the side close to the discharge needles.

The present invention has been made in view of the aforementionedproblem and a main object of the present invention is to provide an iongeneration apparatus that allows a high concentration of positive andnegative ions to be present over a wide range.

Solution to Problem

An ion generation apparatus according to one aspect of the presentinvention includes: discharge electrodes; and an air flow path. Thedischarge electrodes include first to fourth needle-like electrodes.Each of the first to fourth needle-like electrodes is arranged such thata direction of extension thereof is parallel. Each of the first tofourth needle-like electrodes generates ions by discharge. Through theair flow path, a gas for conveying the ions generated by the dischargeelectrodes flows. Needle tips of the first needle-like electrode and thesecond needle-like electrode protrude from a first wall surface thatforms the air flow path, are spaced apart from each other by a firstinterval, and are arranged in line in the air flow path. Needle tips ofthe third needle-like electrode and the fourth needle-like electrodeprotrude from a second wall surface that forms the air flow path andfaces the first wall surface, are spaced apart from each other by asecond interval, and are arranged in line in the air flow path. Thefirst needle-like electrode and the fourth needle-like electrodegenerate positive ions, and the second needle-like electrode and thethird needle-like electrode generate negative ions.

Preferably, in the aforementioned ion generation apparatus, the needletip of the first needle-like electrode and the needle tip of the thirdneedle-like electrode face each other. Preferably, a distance betweenthe needle tip of the first needle-like electrode and the needle tip ofthe third needle-like electrode is larger than the first interval andlarger than the second interval.

Preferably, in the aforementioned ion generation apparatus, the needletip of the second needle-like electrode and the needle tip of the fourthneedle-like electrode face each other. Preferably, a distance betweenthe needle tip of the second needle-like electrode and the needle tip ofthe fourth needle-like electrode is larger than the first interval andlarger than the second interval.

Preferably, the ion generation apparatus further includes: a base memberhaving the discharge electrodes mounted thereon; and a casing thathouses the base member. A part of an outer surface of the casing formsthe first wall surface and the second wall surface. The casing isprovided such that the air flow path is formed between the first wallsurface and the second wall surface. Preferably, the air flow path isformed to pass through the casing. Preferably, the base member includesa first base member and a second base member provided separately. Thefirst needle-like electrode and the second needle-like electrode aremounted on the first base member, and the third needle-like electrodeand the fourth needle-like electrode are mounted on the second basemember.

Preferably, the ion generation apparatus further includes: a boostingtransformer; and an induction electrode. One end on the secondarywinding side of the boosting transformer is electrically connected tothe first to fourth needle-like electrodes, and the boosting transformergenerates a positive or negative high voltage applied to each of thefirst to fourth needle-like electrodes. The induction electrode iselectrically connected to the other end on the secondary winding side ofthe boosting transformer. Preferably, the induction electrode isarranged between the first needle-like electrode and the secondneedle-like electrode and at a distance from both the first needle-likeelectrode and the second needle-like electrode.

Electric equipment according to one aspect of the present inventionincludes: the ion generation apparatus according to any one of theaforementioned aspects; and an air blower for blowing a gas into an airflow path of the ion generation apparatus.

Electric equipment according to another aspect of the present inventionincludes: discharge electrodes; and an air flow path. The dischargeelectrodes include first to fourth needle-like electrodes. Each of thefirst to fourth needle-like electrodes is arranged such that a directionof extension thereof is parallel. Each of the first to fourthneedle-like electrodes generates ions by discharge. Through the air flowpath, a gas for conveying the ions generated by the discharge electrodesflows. Needle tips of the first needle-like electrode and the secondneedle-like electrode protrude from a first wall surface that forms theair flow path, are spaced apart from each other by a first interval, andare arranged in line in the air flow path. Needle tips of the thirdneedle-like electrode and the fourth needle-like electrode protrude froma second wall surface that forms the air flow path and faces the firstwall surface, are spaced apart from each other by a second interval, andare arranged in line in the air flow path. The first needle-likeelectrode and the fourth needle-like electrode generate positive ions,and the second needle-like electrode and the third needle-like electrodegenerate negative ions.

An ion generation apparatus according to another aspect of the presentinvention includes: an air flow path through which a gas flows; andfirst to fourth needle-like electrodes. Each of the first to fourthneedle-like electrodes is arranged to extend in a direction orthogonalto a gas flowing direction in the air flow path, and generates ions bydischarge. The first needle-like electrode and the second needle-likeelectrode protrude into the air flow path from a first wall surface thatforms the air flow path. The third needle-like electrode and the fourthneedle-like electrode protrude into the air flow path from a second wallsurface that forms the air flow path and faces the first wall surface.The first needle-like electrode and the second needle-like electrode arearranged such that needle tips thereof are spaced apart from each otherby a first distance in the direction orthogonal to the gas flowingdirection in the air flow path. The first needle-like electrode and thethird needle-like electrode are arranged such that needle tips thereofface each other and are spaced apart from each other by a seconddistance in the direction orthogonal to the gas flowing direction in theair flow path. On the downstream side of the gas flow with respect tothe first to fourth needle-like electrodes, the air flow path has abifurcated duct bifurcated in the direction of the longer one of thefirst distance and the second distance.

Preferably, in the aforementioned ion generation apparatus, one of thetwo needle-like electrodes that form the shorter one of the firstdistance and the second distance generates positive ions, and the othergenerates negative ions.

Preferably, in the aforementioned ion generation apparatus, the first tofourth needle-like electrodes are integrated into one unit. Preferably,the ion generation apparatus includes a plurality of sets of the firstto fourth needle-like electrodes integrated into one unit.

Preferably, the aforementioned ion generation apparatus further includesa partition plate for partitioning the two needle-like electrodes thatform the shorter one of the first distance and the second distance.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the ion generation apparatus of the present invention, itis possible to cause a high concentration of positive and negative ionsto be present over a wide range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generationapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the ion generation apparatus viewed from adirection shown by an arrow II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the ion generation apparatus viewed from adirection shown by an arrow III in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an internal structure of the iongeneration apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generation apparatus takenalong line V-V shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the iongeneration apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodesof the ion generation apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a relationship between a distance betweenneedle tips of the discharge electrodes and an ion current.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodesof an ion generation apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodesof an ion generation apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment including the ion generation apparatus according to any one ofthe first to third embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodesof an ion generation apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodesof an ion generation apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an internal structure of an iongeneration apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus according to Example 1 is arranged in an air flow path.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus according to Example 2 is arranged in an air flow path.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus according to Comparative Example 1 is arranged in an air flowpath.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus according to Comparative Example 2 is arranged in an air flowpath.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an ion concentration distribution onthe downstream side of the ion generation apparatus according to Example1.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an ion concentration distribution onthe downstream side of the ion generation apparatus according toComparative Example 1.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing an ion concentration distribution onthe downstream side of the ion generation apparatus according toComparative Example 2.

FIG. 22 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment according to a second example.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a vicinity of an outlet of theelectric equipment according to the second example.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing the vicinity of the outlet of theelectric equipment according to the second example.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the electric equipment according to thesecond example viewed from the outlet side.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing an ion distribution in an air flowpath of the electric equipment according to the second example.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment according to a third example.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of the electric equipment according to thethird example viewed from the outlet side.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing an ion distribution in an air flowpath of the electric equipment according to the third example.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter withreference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same orcorresponding portions are indicated by the same reference numerals, anddescription thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generationapparatus 26 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 is a side view showing ion generation apparatus 26 viewed from adirection shown by an arrow II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showingion generation apparatus 26 viewed from a direction shown by an arrowIII in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an internal structure ofion generation apparatus 26 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 isa cross-sectional view of ion generation apparatus 26 taken along lineV-V shown in FIG. 4. A structure of ion generation apparatus 26according to the first embodiment will be first described in detail withreference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

Ion generation apparatus 26 according to the first embodiment mainlyincludes an outer case 31, a discharge electrode 40, an inductionelectrode (counter electrode) 45, a base member 50, a high voltagegeneration circuit portion 53, a substrate supporting case 54 and asubstrate supporting case 55, and a wiring 56 and a wiring 57.

Discharge electrode 40 includes a first needle-like electrode 41, asecond needle-like electrode 42, a third needle-like electrode 43, and afourth needle-like electrode 44. Each of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 is formed to have a needle shape, extends linearlyand has a sharp-pointed needle tip. First to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 are arranged in the same plane such that thedirections of extension of the respective electrodes are parallel to oneanother.

First needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 arearranged in line in a direction orthogonal to the directions ofextension of the respective electrodes, and are spaced apart from eachother. Third needle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode44 are arranged in line in a direction orthogonal to the directions ofextension of the respective electrodes, and are spaced apart from eachother.

First needle-like electrode 41 and third needle-like electrode 43 arearranged in the directions of extension of the respective electrodes toface each other, and are spaced apart from each other. The needle tip offirst needle-like electrode 41 and the needle tip of third needle-likeelectrode 43 face each other. A central axis of first needle-likeelectrode 41 and a central axis of third needle-like electrode 43 arelocated on the same straight line. Second needle-like electrode 42 andfourth needle-like electrode 44 are arranged in the directions ofextension of the respective electrodes to face each other, and arespaced apart from each other. The needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 42 and the needle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 44 faceeach other. A central axis of second needle-like electrode 42 and acentral axis of fourth needle-like electrode 44 are located on the samestraight line.

Induction electrode 45 is arranged between first needle-like electrode41 and second needle-like electrode 42. Induction electrode 45 is spacedapart from both first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42. Induction electrode 45 is provided at a position where adistance between first needle-like electrode 41 and induction electrode45 is equal to a distance between second needle-like electrode 42 andinduction electrode 45. Induction electrode 45 is also provided at aposition where a distance between third needle-like electrode 43 andinduction electrode 45 is equal to a distance between fourth needle-likeelectrode 44 and induction electrode 45.

Each of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 generates ionsby discharge. First needle-like electrode 41 and fourth needle-likeelectrode 44 generate positive ions. Second needle-like electrode 42 andthird needle-like electrode 43 generate negative ions. First needle-likeelectrode 41 and third needle-like electrode 43 generate the ions ofopposite polarities, and second needle-like electrode 42 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44 generate the ions of opposite polarities. Firstneedle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 generatethe ions of opposite polarities, and third needle-like electrode 43 andfourth needle-like electrode 44 generate the ions of oppositepolarities.

High voltage generation circuit portion 53 generates a high voltageapplied to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44. When thepositive high voltage is applied to first needle-like electrode 41 andthe negative high voltage is applied to second needle-like electrode 42,corona discharge occurs between these discharge electrodes and inductionelectrode 45, and thus, the positive ions and the negative ions aregenerated. Similarly, when the negative high voltage is applied to thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and the positive high voltage is applied tofourth needle-like electrode 44, corona discharge occurs between thesedischarge electrodes and induction electrode 45, and thus, the negativeions and the positive ions are generated.

Base member 50 has discharge electrodes 40 mounted thereon. Base member50 includes, as separate base members, a substrate 51 which is a firstbase member, and a substrate 52 which is a second base member. Substrate51 and substrate 52 are provided to face each other. Substrate 51 hasone surface 51 a and the other surface 51 b, and substrate 52 has onesurface 52 a. Substrates 51 and 52 are arranged such that surface 51 aand surface 52 a face each other.

First needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 aremounted on substrate 51. First needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 are fixed to substrate 51 such that the needletips thereof protrude from surface 51 a. Third needle-like electrode 43and fourth needle-like electrode 44 are mounted on substrate 52. Thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 are fixedto substrate 52 such that the needle tips thereof protrude from surface52 a.

High voltage generation circuit portion 53 is provided on the othersurface 51 b of substrate 51. Substrate supporting case 54 is providedto support substrate 51 and cover high voltage generation circuitportion 53. Substrate supporting case 55 is provided to supportsubstrate 52.

Wiring 56 is provided as a connection member for electrically connectinghigh voltage generation circuit portion 53 and third needle-likeelectrode 43. Wiring 57 is provided as a connection member forelectrically connecting high voltage generation circuit portion 53 andfourth needle-like electrode 44. Substrate supporting case 55 isprovided to cover contact points between third and fourth needle-likeelectrodes 43 and 44 and wirings 56 and 57 on substrate 52. Instead ofsuch a configuration that single substrate supporting case 55 shown inFIG. 4 covers both of the two contact points between third and fourthneedle-like electrodes 43 and 44 and wirings 56 and 57, a case thatcovers the contact point between third needle-like electrode 43 andwiring 56 and a case that covers the contact point between fourthneedle-like electrode 44 and wiring 57 may be provided separately.

Outer case 31 is provided as a casing that forms an appearance of iongeneration apparatus 26. Outer case 31 is integrally molded from a resinmaterial. Outer case 31 has, as components thereof, substrate housingportions 32 and 33, and rib-like portions 34 to 36. Outer case 31 has arectangular frame shape whose four sides is formed by substrate housingportion 32, rib-like portion 35, substrate housing portion 33, andrib-like portion 34. Outer case 31 has a rectangular two-dimensionalview having a long side extending along the direction of extension ofdischarge electrode 40 and a short side extending along the directionorthogonal to the direction of extension of discharge electrode 40.

Substrate housing portion 32 and substrate housing portion 33 are spacedapart from each other and are arranged in parallel. Substrate housingportion 32 has a capacity larger than that of substrate housing portion33. Substrate 51, high voltage generation circuit portion 53 andsubstrate supporting case 54 are housed in substrate housing portion 32.Substrate 52 and substrate supporting case 55 are housed in substratehousing portion 33. First needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 extend from surface 51 a of substrate 51 tooutside outer case 31. Third needle-like electrode 43 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44 extend from surface 52 a of substrate 52 tooutside outer case 31. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 4,protective covers for preventing direct touch on the needle tips offirst to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 may be provided toimprove the safety.

First and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42, induction electrode45, substrate 51, high voltage generation circuit portion 53, andsubstrate supporting case 54 form a power supply unit. Third and fourthneedle-like electrodes 43 and 44, substrate 52 and substrate supportingcase 55 form an electrode unit.

Substrate 51 having first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42mounted thereon and substrate 52 having third and fourth needle-likeelectrodes 43 and 44 mounted thereon are both housed in outer case 31.As a result, first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 areintegrated into one unit. Furthermore, high voltage generation circuitportion 53, induction electrode 45 and wirings 56 and 57 are also housedin outer case 31. The elements that form ion generation apparatus 26 arehoused in outer case 31 and are integrated.

Rib-like portion 34 and rib-like portion 35 are spaced apart from eachother and are arranged in parallel to be orthogonal to substrate housingportion 32 and substrate housing portion 33. One ends of substratehousing portion 32 and substrate housing portion 33 that face each otherare coupled by rib-like portion 34. The other ends of substrate housingportion 32 and substrate housing portion 33 that face each other arecoupled by rib-like portion 35.

Rib-like portion 36 is arranged in parallel with rib-like portion 34 andrib-like portion 35. Between rib-like portion 34 and rib-like portion35, rib-like portion 36 couples substrate housing portion 32 andsubstrate housing portion 33.

Rib-like portions 34 to 36 extend linearly from substrate housingportion 32 along the directions of extension of first needle-likeelectrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42. Rib-like portions 34to 36 extend linearly from substrate housing portion 33 along thedirections of extension of third needle-like electrode 43 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44.

Induction electrode 45 protrudes from surface 51 a of substrate 51 intorib-like portion 36. A tip portion of induction electrode 45 is housedin outer case 31 (rib-like portion 36). Induction electrode 45 may havea plate-like or bar-like shape, instead of the needle-like shape shownin the figures.

Wiring 56 is routed to extend from substrate housing portion 32 throughrib-like portion 35 to substrate housing portion 33. Wiring 57 is routedto extend from substrate housing portion 32 through rib-like portion 34to substrate housing portion 33. Wiring 56 is routed to run through oneof rib-like portion 34 and rib-like portion 35, and wiring 57 is routedto run through the other of rib-like portion 34 and rib-like portion 35.

A hollow space 38 is formed inside outer case 31 surrounded by substratehousing portion 32, rib-like portion 35, substrate housing portion 33,and rib-like portion 34. Space 38 is formed to have a shape passingthrough outer case 31 in a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheetsof FIGS. 1 and 4, i.e., in a vertical direction in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5.

Outer case 31 has an outer surface 31 s, and a part of outer surface 31s forms a first wall surface 37 and a second wall surface 39 that facesfirst wall surface 37. First wall surface 37 is formed on substratehousing portion 32, and second wall surface 39 is formed on substratehousing portion 33. First wall surface 37 and second wall surface 39form a part of a perimeter of space 38. Space 38 between substratehousing portions 32 and 33 is bounded by first wall surface 37 andsecond wall surface 39. Space 38 is formed between first wall surface 37and second wall surface 39.

The tip portions of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44extending from substrates 51 and 52 are arranged in space 38. The needletips of first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode42 protrude from first wall surface 37 to outside outer case 31, and arearranged in line in space 38. The needle tips of third needle-likeelectrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 protrude from secondwall surface 39 to outside outer case 31, and are arranged in line inspace 38. The needle tips of first needle-like electrode 41 and thirdneedle-like electrode 43 are arranged in space 38 between rib-likeportion 34 and rib-like portion 36, and the needle tips of secondneedle-like electrode 42 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 arearranged in space 38 between rib-like portion 36 and rib-like portion35.

First wall surface 37 has an opening passing through outer case 31 in athickness direction, and this opening allows an internal space ofsubstrate housing portion 32 to communicate with space 38. Firstneedle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 passthrough the openings formed in first wall surface 37, and are arrangedwith the needle tips thereof exposed to space 38. Second wall surface 39has an opening passing through outer case 31 in the thickness direction,and this opening allows an internal space of substrate housing portion33 to communicate with space 38. Third needle-like electrode 43 andfourth needle-like electrode 44 pass through the openings formed insecond wall surface 39, and are arranged with the needle tips thereofexposed to space 38.

The air is flown through space 38. Outer case 31 defines a part of aflow path of the air. The ions generated by discharge electrode 40 areconveyed by the air flowing through space 38. Space 38 forms a part ofan air flow path through which a gas for conveying the ions generated bydischarge electrode 40 flows. First wall surface 37 and second wallsurface 39 that define an outer perimeter of space 38 form a part of theair flow path.

The air flowing through space 38 is flown in the direction perpendicularto the drawing sheets of FIGS. 1 and 4, i.e., in the vertical directionin FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. First to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 arearranged on the same plane orthogonal to the direction of the air flowin space 38. First to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 extend inthe direction orthogonal to the direction of the air flow in space 38,and are arranged in parallel with one another.

Ion generation apparatus 26 further includes a power feeding connector46. Power feeding connector 46 is provided in substrate housing portion32 that houses high voltage generation circuit portion 53. Power feedingconnector 46 is provided as a power feeding portion for supplyingelectric power to high voltage generation circuit portion 53.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of ion generationapparatus 26 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, iongeneration apparatus 26 includes terminals T1 and T2, a boosting circuit90, a boosting transformer 91, diodes 92 and 93, and capacitors 94 and95, in addition to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 andinduction electrode 45. Boosting circuit 90, boosting transformer 91,diodes 92 and 93, and capacitors 94 and 95 are included in theconfiguration of high voltage generation circuit portion 53 shown inFIG. 4.

Boosting circuit 90 is configured to include a diode, a resistiveelement, an NPN bipolar transistor and the like as appropriate. Boostingtransformer 91 includes a primary winding 91 a and a secondary winding91 b. Diodes 92 and 93 and capacitors 94 and 95 are provided forrectification. One end of secondary winding 91 b is electricallyconnected to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44, and theother end of secondary winding 91 b is electrically connected toinduction electrode 45.

Boosting transformer 91 generates the positive or negative high voltageapplied to each of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44. Whenthe voltage is applied between terminals T1 and T2, a positivehigh-voltage pulse is applied through diode 92 to first needle-likeelectrode 41 and fourth needle-like electrode 44, and a negativehigh-voltage pulse is applied through diode 93 to second needle-likeelectrode 42 and third needle-like electrode 43. As a result, coronadischarge occurs between the needle tips of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 and induction electrode 45. Thus, first needle-likeelectrode 41 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 generate the positiveions, and second needle-like electrode 42 and third needle-likeelectrode 43 generate the negative ions.

The positive ions are cluster ions in each of which a plurality of watermolecules are attached to a hydrogen ion (H⁺), and are represented byH⁺(H₂O)m (m is an arbitrary integer equal to or larger than 0). Thenegative ions are cluster ions in each of which a plurality of watermolecules are attached to an oxygen ion (O₂ ⁻), and are represented byO₂ ⁻(H₂O)n (n is an arbitrary integer equal to or larger than 0). Whenthe positive ions and the negative ions are emitted, both ions surroundfungi and viruses floating in the air, and a chemical reaction occurs onthe surfaces thereof. At this time, hydroxyl radicals (●OH), which areactive species, are generated and the floating fungi and the like can beeliminated as a result of the reaction of the hydroxyl radicals.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodes40 of ion generation apparatus 26 according to the first embodiment. Thearrangement of discharge electrodes 40 according to the firstembodiment, i.e., first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 willbe described with reference to FIG. 7. For the sake of simplification,FIG. 7 shows only first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44,substrate 51 having first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42mounted thereon, and substrate 52 having third and fourth needle-likeelectrodes 43 and 44 mounted thereon.

First and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42 are arranged on thesame plane in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the air flowin space 38 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 7), such that the directions of extension of the respectiveelectrodes are parallel. The needle tips of first and second needle-likeelectrodes 41 and 42 are spaced apart from each other by a firstinterval D1 and are arranged in line in space 38. First and secondneedle-like electrodes 41 and 42 are arranged such that the needle tipsthereof are spaced apart from each other by first interval D1.

Third and fourth needle-like electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged on thesame plane in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the air flowin space 38, such that the directions of extension of the respectiveelectrodes are parallel. The needle tips of third and fourth needle-likeelectrodes 43 and 44 are spaced apart from each other by a secondinterval D2 and are arranged in line in space 38. Third and fourthneedle-like electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged such that the needle tipsthereof are spaced apart from each other by second interval D2.

First and third needle-like electrodes 41 and 43 are arranged such thatthe directions of extension of the respective electrodes are on the samestraight line in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the airflow in space 38. The needle tips of first and third needle-likeelectrodes 41 and 43 are spaced apart from each other by a distance Land are arranged in space 38. First and third needle-like electrodes 41and 43 are arranged such that the needle tips thereof are spaced apartfrom each other by distance L.

Second and fourth needle-like electrodes 42 and 44 are arranged suchthat the directions of extension of the respective electrodes are on thesame straight line in the direction orthogonal to the direction of theair flow in space 38. The needle tips of second and fourth needle-likeelectrodes 42 and 44 are spaced apart from each other by distance L andare arranged in space 38. Second and fourth needle-like electrodes 42and 44 are arranged such that the needle tips thereof are spaced apartfrom each other by distance L.

Surface 51 a of substrate 51 is parallel to surface 52 a of substrate52, and first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42 protrudevertically by the same distance with respect to surface 51 a, and thirdand fourth needle-like electrodes 43 and 44 protrude vertically by thesame distance with respect to surface 52 a. As a result of thisarrangement, the distance between the needle tips of first and thirdneedle-like electrodes 41 and 43 is equal to the distance between theneedle tips of second and fourth needle-like electrodes 42 and 44.

Distance L between the needle tip of first needle-like electrode 41 andthe needle tip of third needle-like electrode 43 is larger than intervalD1 between first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42, and is larger than interval D2 between third needle-likeelectrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44. Distance L between theneedle tip of second needle-like electrode 42 and the needle tip offourth needle-like electrode 44 is larger than interval D1 between firstneedle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42, and islarger than interval D2 between third needle-like electrode 43 andfourth needle-like electrode 44.

First needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 forminterval D1 which is the shorter one of interval D1 and distance L. Oneof the two needle-like electrodes that form interval D1 is firstneedle-like electrode 41 that generates the positive ions, and the otheris second needle-like electrode 42 that generates the negative ions.Rib-like portion 36 of outer case 31 has a function as a partition platefor partitioning the two needle-like electrodes, i.e., first needle-likeelectrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42, that form interval D1which is the shorter one of interval D1 and distance L.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a relationship between distance L between theneedle tips of discharge electrodes 40 and an ion current. Thehorizontal axis shown in FIG. 8 indicates distance L between firstneedle-like electrode 41 and third needle-like electrode 43 (or distanceL between second needle-like electrode 42 and fourth needle-likeelectrode 44) (unit: centimeter). The vertical axis shown in FIG. 8indicates the magnitude of the ion current generated by dischargeelectrodes 40. The ion current is measured on the downstream side withrespect to discharge electrodes 40 in the direction of the air flow thatconveys the ions generated by discharge electrodes 40. The graph in FIG.8 shows a result of applicant's study of an influence of distance L onan amount of ions generated by discharge. The broken line shown in FIG.8 indicates the magnitude of the ion current measured similarly by usinga conventional ion generation apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 8, in order to generate a larger amount of ions than aconventional amount by using ion generation apparatus 26 according tothe first embodiment, it is necessary to set distance L to be 5 cm orlonger. In order to obtain an effect of reliably increasing the amountof generated ions as compared with the conventional ion generationapparatus, it is desirable to set distance L to be 10 cm or longer. Onthe other hand, when distance L exceeds a certain degree, the ioncurrent decreases. With consideration also given to the fact that theapparatus can be reduced in size as distance L becomes shorter, it isdesirable to set distance L to be within a range of 18 cm or shorter.

Similarly to distance L, the applicant studied optimum ranges ofinterval D1 between first needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 as well as interval D2 between thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44. As aresult of the applicant's study, it is desirable to set intervals D1 andD2 to be within a range of 3.5 cm to 18 cm.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodes40 of ion generation apparatus 26 according to a second embodiment. Thearrangement of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 is notlimited to the example shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a firstmodification of the arrangement of discharge electrodes 40. For example,as shown in FIG. 9, interval D1 between first needle-like electrode 41and second needle-like electrode 42 as well as interval D2 between thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 are similarto those of the arrangement shown in FIG. 7. However, first and secondneedle-like electrodes 41 and 42 may be arranged at positions displacedfrom those of third and fourth needle-like electrodes 43 and 44.

As shown in FIG. 9, the needle tip of first needle-like electrode 41needs not to face the needle tip of third needle-like electrode 43, andthe needle tip of second needle-like electrode 42 needs not to face theneedle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 44. As long as the needletips of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 protrude intospace 38 and third and fourth needle-like electrodes 43 and 44 arearranged to face first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42 onthe whole, the effect of increasing the amount of generated ions can besimilarly obtained.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodes40 of ion generation apparatus 26 according to a third embodiment. FIG.10 shows a second modification of the arrangement of dischargeelectrodes 40. As shown in FIG. 10, interval D1 between firstneedle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 may bedifferent from interval D2 between third needle-like electrode 43 andfourth needle-like electrode 44.

In the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 10 in which intervals D1and D2 are different from each other, it is desirable to make intervalD1 larger than interval D2. In ion generation apparatus 26, inductionelectrode 45 is arranged between first needle-like electrode 41 andsecond needle-like electrode 42. Therefore, if interval D1 is maderelatively larger, each of first and second needle-like electrodes 41and 42 can be arranged at a position that is more distant from inductionelectrode 45, and thus, the amount of generated ions can be furtherincreased.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment 100 including ion generation apparatus 26 according to any oneof the first to third embodiments. Electric equipment 100 may be, forexample, an ion generator, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, ahumidifier, an air cleaner, a fan heater, or other equipment. Electricequipment 100 is equipment suitably used to condition the air in a roomof a house, in a room of a building, in a room of a hospital, in avehicle interior of an automobile, in a plane, in a ship, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 11, electric equipment 100 includes ion generationapparatus 26 described above, an air blower 16, and ducts 12, 15, 17,and 18. Ducts 12, 15, 17, and 18 are hollow, and interior spaces ofducts 12, 15, 17, and 18 communicate with one another to form an airflow path 10 through which the air flows. Air blower 16 is provided inan opening of duct 12 and forms an air flow in air flow path 10. Airblower 16 may be a sirocco fan, a cross flow fan or other fan.

Ion generation apparatus 26 is arranged inside duct 15. Space 38 definedby outer case 31 of ion generation apparatus 26 forms a part of air flowpath 10. Space 38 communicates with a part of air flow path 10 formed byduct 15. Air blower 16 blows a gas into space 38 included in air flowpath 10. The air flowing through air flow path 10 in duct 15 in FIG. 11is flown through space 38. The air flowing through space 38 is flown inthe upward direction in FIG. 11. Since the air flows through space 38,the ions generated by discharge electrode 40 are conveyed by the airflow, and are emitted from an outlet to the indoor space through airflow path 10. Electric equipment 100 is provided such that a structureblocking the air flow to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44is not arranged upwind and downwind of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 protruding into space 38.

On the downstream side of the air flow with respect to duct 15 thathouses ion generation apparatus 26, air flow path 10 branches off intotwo paths. On the downstream side of the gas flow with respect to firstto fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44, air flow path 10 branches offinto two paths. Air flow path 10 has a pair of bifurcated ducts, i.e.,ducts 17 and 18.

Duct 17 which is one of the bifurcated ducts is provided on an extensionof first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 inthe direction of the air flow in air flow path 10. Positive ions P andnegative ions N generated by first needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 are emitted from an outlet where duct 17 isopen to the outside. Duct 18 which is the other of the bifurcated ductsis provided on an extension of third needle-like electrode 43 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44 in the direction of the air flow in air flowpath 10. Positive ions P and negative ions N generated by thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 are emittedfrom an outlet where duct 18 is open to the outside.

As described above, comparing interval D1, which is the distance betweenthe needle tips of first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42,and distance L, which is the distance between the needle tips of firstand third needle-like electrodes 41 and 43, distance L is longer. Airflow path 10 has the bifurcated ducts bifurcated in the direction ofdistance L (in the horizontal direction in FIG. 11) which is the longerone of interval D1 and distance L. The bifurcated ducts cause the airflow to branch off in the direction of distance L (in the horizontaldirection in FIG. 11) which is the longer one of interval D1 anddistance L.

Ion generation apparatus 26 may be configured to be integrallyincorporated into electric equipment 100. Alternatively, ion generationapparatus 26 may be provided to be removable from electric equipment100. In this case, ion generation apparatus 26 can be configured to bereplaceable, which facilitates maintenance of electric equipment 100.

FIG. 22 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment according to a second example. FIG. 23 is a perspective viewshowing a vicinity of an outlet 3 of the electric equipment according tothe second example. FIG. 24 is a side view showing the vicinity ofoutlet 3 of the electric equipment according to the second example. FIG.25 is a schematic view of the electric equipment according to the secondexample viewed from the outlet 3 side. FIG. 26 is a schematic viewshowing an ion distribution in air flow path 10 of the electricequipment according to the second example. FIG. 24 illustrates thevicinity of outlet 3 viewed from the direction of an arrow XXIV shown inFIG. 23, and FIG. 25 illustrates the vicinity of outlet 3 viewed fromthe direction of an arrow XXV shown in FIG. 23. The electric equipmentaccording to the second example will be described with reference toFIGS. 22 to 25.

Similarly to electric equipment 100 described with reference to FIG. 11,the electric equipment according to the second example includes iongeneration apparatus 26, air blower 16 and ducts 12 and 15. Outlet 3 forblowing out the air from air flow path 10 is provided at a tip of airflow path 10 through which the air flows. Outlet 3 is formed to have arectangular shape and has four sides 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, and 6 d. Two sides 6a and 6 b face each other and extend in parallel. Two sides 6 c and 6 dface each other and extend in parallel. Two sides 6 a and 6 b and twosides 6 c and 6 d extend to be orthogonal to each other.

Outlet 3 is provided with adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b. Each ofadjustment plates 4 a and 4 b extends from two sides 6 a and 6 b towarddownstream of the gas flow. Adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b are arrangedto be inclined such that a gap therebetween becomes narrower towarddownstream of the gas flow. A width of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 bbecomes narrower toward downstream of the gas flow, as compared with awidth of portions of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b that are in contactwith outlet 3.

Each of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b is formed to have a semicircularshape. The shape of each of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b may be asemi-elliptical shape or a semi-polygonal shape. The semicircular shapeincludes not only an exact semicircular shape obtained by cutting aprecise circle in half, but also a shape similar to the exactsemicircular shape. The same is also applied to the semi-ellipticalshape and the semi-polygonal shape. The semi-polygonal shape includesnot only a shape obtained by cutting a precise polygonal shape in half,but also a shape obtained by cutting a polygonal shape other than theprecise polygonal shape in half.

Each of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b may be provided as a movable platethat is relatively movable with respect to outlet 3. Each of adjustmentplates 4 a and 4 b may be provided to be relatively pivotable orslidable with respect to sides 6 a and 6 b of outlet 3. By relativelymoving adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b with respect to outlet 3, aninterval between adjustment plate 4 a and adjustment plate 4 b can bechanged and an opening area of the flow path of the air blown out fromoutlet 3 can be changed. As a result, a state of the air blown out fromoutlet 3 can be freely adjusted.

Adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b may be inclined symmetrically with respectto outlet 3 of air flow path 10, or may be inclined at different angles.Alternatively, only one of two adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b may beinclined with respect to outlet 3 and the other may extend straightwithout being inclined.

In the electric equipment according to the second example shown in FIGS.22 to 26, adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b extend from two sides 6 a and 6b of outlet 3 that face each other, respectively. Adjustment plates 4 aand 4 b are arranged to be inclined such that the interval therebetweenbecomes narrower toward downstream of the gas flow, and the width ofadjustment plates 4 a and 4 b becomes narrower toward downstream of thegas flow, as compared with the width of the portions of adjustmentplates 4 a and 4 b that are in contact with outlet 3. As shown by anarrow in FIG. 22, the air blown out from outlet 3 branches off andflows. Therefore, as shown by an ion distribution D hatched in FIG. 26,the ions generated by first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44are emitted over a wide range.

As described above, comparing interval D1, which is the distance betweenthe needle tips of first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42,and distance L, which is the distance between the needle tips of firstand third needle-like electrodes 41 and 43, distance L is longer.Adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b causes the air flow to branch off in thedirection of distance L (in the horizontal direction in FIGS. 22 and 26)which is the longer one of interval D1 and distance L.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of electricequipment according to a third example. FIG. 28 is a schematic view ofthe electric equipment according to the third example viewed from theoutlet 3 side. FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing an ion distributionin air flow path 10 of the electric equipment according to the thirdexample. FIG. 28 illustrates outlet 3 viewed from the direction of anarrow XXVIII shown in FIG. 27. The electric equipment according to thethird example will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29.

Similarly to electric equipment 100 described with reference to FIG. 11,the electric equipment according to the third example includes iongeneration apparatus 26, air blower 16 and ducts 12 and 15. Outlet 3 forblowing out the air from air flow path 10 is provided at a tip of airflow path 10 through which the air flows. A plurality of flow pathdividing members 19 are arranged in air flow path 10 downstream of thegas flow with respect to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to44. Flow path dividing members 19 extend along a direction of extensionof air flow path 10. Flow path dividing members 19 are arranged todivide an interior space of air flow path 10 into a plurality of smallspaces.

The air blown by air blower 16 flows through air flow path 10 along thedirection of extension of flow path dividing members 19. Flow pathdividing members 19 extend from the inside of air flow path 10 to outlet3, and has a function of orienting the air flowing through air flow path10 and blown out from outlet 3. The air is guided by flow path dividingmembers 19, and thus, the air blown out from outlet 3 branches off andflows as shown by an arrow in FIG. 27. As a result, the ions generatedby first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 are emitted over awide range as shown by ion distribution D hatched in FIG. 26.

As described above, comparing interval D1, which is the distance betweenthe needle tips of first and second needle-like electrodes 41 and 42,and distance L, which is the distance between the needle tips of firstand third needle-like electrodes 41 and 43, distance L is longer. Flowpath dividing members 19 cause the air flow to branch off in thedirection of distance L (in the horizontal direction in FIGS. 22 and 26)which is the longer one of interval D1 and distance L. Flow pathdividing members 19 extend in the direction of interval D1 (in thevertical direction in FIG. 28) which is the shorter one of interval D1and distance L.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodes40 of ion generation apparatus 26 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG.12 shows a third modification of the arrangement of discharge electrodes40. Electric equipment 100 shown in FIG. 11 is provided with one iongeneration apparatus 26. However, electric equipment 100 is not limitedto this example and a plurality of ion generation apparatuses 26 may beprovided. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, electric equipment 100 suchas an ion generator may be configured to include a plurality of sets(two sets in the example of FIG. 12) of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 supported by outer case 31 and integrated into oneunit.

In this case, a distance between the needle tips of discharge electrodes40 included in the two adjacent units, i.e., a distance L2 between theneedle tip of third needle-like electrode 43 on the left side and theneedle tip of first needle-like electrode 41 on the right side shown inFIG. 12, may be made larger than distance L described above. Forexample, distance L2 may be set to be one-and-a-half times larger thandistance L.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing arrangement of discharge electrodes40 of ion generation apparatus 26 according to a fifth embodiment. FIG.13 shows a fourth modification of the arrangement of dischargeelectrodes 40. The foregoing description has been given to the examplein which interval D1 between the needle tips of first and secondneedle-like electrodes 41 and 42 is smaller than distance L between theneedle tips of first and third needle-like electrodes 41 and 43.However, first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 are not limitedto this example. As shown in FIG. 13, first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 may be arranged such that interval D1 is larger thandistance L.

In this case, if air flow path 10 is configured to have the bifurcatedducts, the gas may branch off in the direction of interval D1 which isthe longer one of interval D1 and distance L. In the case of thearrangement shown in FIG. 13, the duct may be bifurcated in the verticaldirection in the figure, such that one of the bifurcated ducts issupplied with the positive ions generated by first needle-like electrode41 and the negative ions generated by the third needle-like electrode,and the other of the bifurcated ducts is supplied with the negative ionsgenerated by the second needle-like electrode and the positive ionsgenerated by fourth needle-like electrode 44. Alternatively, adjustmentplates extending from two sides of an outlet extending in the verticaldirection in FIG. 13 may be provided, or a flow path dividing memberextending in the horizontal direction in FIG. 13 may be provided.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an internal structure of ion generationapparatus 26 according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 shows the internalstructure of ion generation apparatus 26 including induction electrode45 arranged according to a modification. As compared with theconfiguration of ion generation apparatus 26 shown in FIG. 4, inductionelectrode 45 is provided on the other surface 51 b side with respect tosubstrate 51 in the modification shown in FIG. 14. Induction electrode45 is formed by a wiring pattern of high voltage generation circuitportion 53. In the case of forming induction electrode 45 by a printingpattern on substrate 51, the number of components can be reduced and theprocessing cost can be suppressed as compared with a configurationincluding pin-like induction electrode 45.

The configurations and the function and effect of ion generationapparatus 26 and electric equipment 100 according to the embodimentswill be summarized as follows. Although the reference numerals areassigned to the configurations according to the embodiments, this is oneexample.

Ion generation apparatus 26 according to one aspect of the presentembodiment includes: discharge electrodes 40 including first to fourthneedle-like electrodes 41 to 44, each of which is arranged such that adirection of extension thereof is parallel and each of which generatesions by discharge; and air flow path 10 through which a gas forconveying the ions generated by discharge electrodes 40 flows. Theneedle tips of first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42 protrude from first wall surface 37 that forms air flowpath 10, are spaced apart from each other by interval D1 as the firstinterval, and are arranged in line in space 38 included in air flow path10. The needle tips of third needle-like electrode 43 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44 protrude from second wall surface 39 that formsair flow path 10 and faces first wall surface 37, are spaced apart fromeach other by interval D2 as the second interval, and are arranged inline in space 38 included in air flow path 10. First needle-likeelectrode 41 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 generate positive ionsP, and second needle-like electrode 42 and third needle-like electrode43 generate negative ions N.

With this, the ions generated by first to fourth needle-like electrodes41 to 44 arranged in parallel in air flow path 10 can be spread over awide area and it is possible to cause a high concentration of positiveand negative ions to be present over a wide range.

Preferably, the needle tip of first needle-like electrode 41 and theneedle tip of third needle-like electrode 43 face each other. As aresult, first needle-like electrode 41 and third needle-like electrode43 are arranged in line on the same straight line, and thus, iongeneration apparatus 26 can be reduced in size.

Preferably, distance L between the needle tip of first needle-likeelectrode 41 and the needle tip of third needle-like electrode 43 islarger than interval D1 and larger than interval D2. With this, firstneedle-like electrode 41 and third needle-like electrode 43 thatgenerate the ions of opposite polarities can be spaced apart from eachother, and thus, the positive ions and the negative ions can be spreadover a wider range. In addition, it is possible to suppress a reductionin ion concentration caused by neutralization of the generated positiveand negative ions, recovery of the ions at the opposite polarityelectrodes, or the like, and thus, a higher concentration of ions can begenerated.

Preferably, the needle tip of second needle-like electrode 42 and theneedle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 44 face each other. As aresult, second needle-like electrode 42 and fourth needle-like electrode44 are arranged in line on the same straight line, and thus, iongeneration apparatus 26 can be reduced in size.

Preferably, distance L between the needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 42 and the needle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 44 islarger than first interval D1 and larger than second interval D2. Withthis, second needle-like electrode 42 and fourth needle-like electrode44 that generate the ions of opposite polarities can be spaced apartfrom each other, and thus, the positive ions and the negative ions canbe spread over a wider range. In addition, it is possible to suppress areduction in ion concentration caused by neutralization of the generatedpositive and negative ions, and thus, a higher concentration of ions canbe generated.

Preferably, ion generation apparatus 26 further includes: base member 50having discharge electrodes 40 mounted thereon; and outer case 31 as acasing that houses base member 50. A part of outer surface 31 s of outercase 31 forms first wall surface 37 and second wall surface 39. Outercase 31 is provided such that space 38 forming a part of air flow path10 is formed between first wall surface 37 and second wall surface 39.With this, first wall surface 37 and second wall surface 39 facing eachother form an inner wall surface of space 38 provided as a part of theconfiguration of air flow path 10, and discharge electrodes 40 generatea high concentration of ions both on the first wall surface 37 side andon the second wall surface 39 side. Therefore, the ions generated by thedischarge electrodes can be reliably spread over a wide area.

Preferably, space 38 that forms a part of air flow path 10 is formed topass through outer case 31. In this case, the ions are generated bydischarge at the needle tips of first to fourth needle-like electrodes41 to 44. Since the needle tips of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44 protrude into space 38, the ions are generated inspace 38. Since space 38 is formed to have a shape passing through outercase 31 and the air flow flowing through space 38 is formed, the ionsgenerated by first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 can beconveyed efficiently. Therefore, the generated ions can be spread at anearly stage and it is possible to suppress a reduction in ionconcentration caused by neutralization of the positive and negativeions.

Preferably, base member 50 includes, as separate base members, substrate51 which is the first base member, and substrate 52 which is the secondbase member. First needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42 are mounted on substrate 51, and third needle-likeelectrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 are mounted onsubstrate 52. With this, first needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 can be arranged at a position away from thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and fourth needle-like electrode 44, and thus,first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 can be arranged suchthat a high concentration of ions are easily spread over a wide area.

Preferably, ion generation apparatus 26 includes: boosting transformer91 having secondary winding 91 b, one end of which is electricallyconnected to first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44, andgenerating the positive or negative high voltage applied to each offirst to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44; and induction electrode45 electrically connected to the other end of secondary winding 91 b ofboosting transformer 91. With this, the high voltage can be applied toeach of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 by using oneboosting transformer 91, and thus, the number of the high voltagegeneration circuits can be minimized. Therefore, the number ofcomponents can be reduced and the manufacturing cost of ion generationapparatus 26 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the power consumption ofion generation apparatus 26 can be reduced.

Preferably, induction electrode 45 is arranged between first needle-likeelectrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42 and at a distance fromboth first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42.With this, one induction electrode 45 can suffice for four dischargeelectrodes 40. The number of induction electrode 45 can be reduceddepending on the number of the high voltage generation circuits, andthus, the efficiency of ion generation can be improved. In addition,since only one induction electrode 45 is arranged at a position awayfrom first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44, it is possible tosuppress a reduction in ion concentration caused by recovery, atinduction electrode 45, of the ions generated by first to fourthneedle-like electrodes 41 to 44.

By providing induction electrode 45 in between first needle-likeelectrode 41 and second needle-like electrode 42, induction electrode 45can be arranged at a position that is most distant from both first andsecond needle-like electrodes 41 and 42. Since induction electrode 45 ishoused in outer case 31 made of an insulating resin material, an amountof ions recovered and dissipated at induction electrode 45 can befurther reduced.

Third needle-like electrode 43 is arranged such that the needle tipthereof is directed to induction electrode 45. The ions generated bythird needle-like electrode 43 are emitted from the needle tip of thirdneedle-like electrode 43 toward induction electrode 45. The ionsgenerated by first needle-like electrode 41 are emitted in the directionaway from induction electrode 45. By making the distance betweeninduction electrode 45 and third needle-like electrode 43 arranged suchthat the needle tip thereof is directed to induction electrode 45 largerthan the distance between first needle-like electrode 41 and inductionelectrode 45, arrival of the ions generated by third needle-likeelectrode 43 at induction electrode 45 can be suppressed. The amount ofions recovered and dissipated at induction electrode 45 can be reduced,and thus, ion generation apparatus 26 can generate a higherconcentration of ions.

Electric equipment according to one aspect of the present embodimentincludes: ion generation apparatus 26 according to any one of theaforementioned aspects; and air blower 16 for blowing a gas into airflow path 10 of ion generation apparatus 26. According to electricequipment 100 configured as described above, the ions generated by firstto fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 arranged in parallel in airflow path 10 can be spread over a wide area and it is possible to causea high concentration of positive and negative ions to be present over awide range. In the case where electric equipment 100 is householdelectric equipment used in a room, a state of a higher concentration ofpositive and negative ions over a wide range in the room can beobtained.

Electric equipment 100 according to another aspect of the presentembodiment includes: discharge electrodes 40 including first to fourthneedle-like electrodes 41 to 44, each of which is arranged such that adirection of extension thereof is parallel and each of which generatesions by discharge; and air flow path 10 through which a gas forconveying the ions generated by discharge electrodes 40 flows. Theneedle tips of first needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42 protrude from first wall surface 37 that forms air flowpath 10, are spaced apart from each other by interval D1 as the firstinterval, and are arranged in line in space 38 included in air flow path10. The needle tips of third needle-like electrode 43 and fourthneedle-like electrode 44 protrude from second wall surface 39 that formsair flow path 10 and faces first wall surface 37, are spaced apart fromeach other by interval D2 as the second interval, and are arranged inline in space 38 included in air flow path 10. First needle-likeelectrode 41 and fourth needle-like electrode 44 generate positive ionsP, and second needle-like electrode 42 and third needle-like electrode43 generate negative ions N. With this, the ions generated by first tofourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 arranged in parallel in air flowpath 10 can be spread over a wide area and it is possible to cause ahigh concentration of positive and negative ions to be present over awide range.

Electric equipment 100 which is an ion generation apparatus according toanother aspect of the present embodiment includes: air flow path 10through which a gas flows; first needle-like electrode 41 and secondneedle-like electrode 42 protruding into space 38 from first wallsurface 37 that forms space 38 included in air flow path 10, arranged toextend in a direction orthogonal to a gas flowing direction in space 38,and generating ions by discharge; and third needle-like electrode 43 andfourth needle-like electrode 44 protruding into space 38 from secondwall surface 39 that forms space 38 included in air flow path 10 andfaces first wall surface 37, arranged to extend in the directionorthogonal to the gas flowing direction in space 38, and generating ionsby discharge. First needle-like electrode 41 and second needle-likeelectrode 42 are arranged such that the needle tips thereof are spacedapart from each other by interval D1 as the first distance in thedirection orthogonal to the gas flowing direction in space 38. Firstneedle-like electrode 41 and third needle-like electrode 43 are arrangedsuch that the needle tips thereof face each other and are spaced apartfrom each other by distance L as the second distance in the directionorthogonal to the gas flowing direction in space 38. On a downstreamside of a gas flow with respect to first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 41 to 44, air flow path 10 causes the gas flow to branch offin a direction of the longer one of interval D1 and distance L.

As shown in FIG. 11, on the downstream side of the gas flow with respectto first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44, air flow path 10 mayhave ducts 17 and 18 bifurcated in the direction of the longer one ofinterval D1 and distance L.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 22 to 26, air flow path 10 may beprovided with outlet 3 through which the gas is blown out from air flowpath 10. Outlet 3 has sides 6 a and 6 b extending in the direction ofthe longer one of interval D1 and distance L, and facing each other.Sides 6 a and 6 b may be provided with a pair of adjustment plates 4 aand 4 b. Adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b are arranged to be inclined suchthat an interval therebetween becomes narrower toward downstream of thegas flow, and a width of adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b becomes narrowertoward downstream of the gas flow, as compared with a width of portionsof adjustment plates 4 a and 4 b that are in contact with outlet 3.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, flow path dividing member 19for dividing an internal space of air flow path 10 may be provided, andflow path dividing member 19 may extend in a direction of the shorterone of interval D1 and distance L.

With this, from the discharge electrodes facing each other and having apositional relationship of the longer distance, the positive andnegative ions are independently blown into the outlet, and thus, extremeneutralization of the positive and negative ions can be suppressed. Morespecifically, the ions generated by first and second needle-likeelectrodes 41 and 42 are conveyed by one of the branched air flows andblown out from outlet 3. The ions generated by third and fourthneedle-like electrodes 43 and 44 are conveyed by the other of thebranched air flows and blown out from outlet 3. Therefore, the ionsgenerated by first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 can bespread over a wide area and it is possible to cause a high concentrationof positive and negative ions to be present over a wide range.

Preferably, one of the two needle-like electrodes, e.g., first andsecond needle-like electrodes 41 and 42, that form the shorter one ofinterval D1 and distance L generates positive ions P, and the othergenerates negative ions N. With this, the positive ions and the negativeions generated by the two needle-like electrodes are flown into one ofducts 17 and 18, and the positive ions and the negative ions are mixedas the positive ions and the negative ions come closer to the outlet.Such a configuration that the positive ions and the negative ions aremixed in a region where the ion concentration is reduced to some extentin air flow path 10 downwind of discharge electrodes 40 allows thepositive ions and the negative ions to be mixed with the air in abalanced manner. Since the air including a high concentration ofpositive and negative ions can be emitted from both of the pair ofoutlets, it is possible to cause a high concentration of positive andnegative ions to be present over a wide range.

Preferably, first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 areintegrated into one unit. With this, the accuracy of positioning offirst to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 can be improved, andfurther, handling of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44becomes easy.

Preferably, electric equipment 100 includes a plurality of sets of firstto fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 integrated into one unit. Theplurality of units of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44are arranged side by side. With this, even when the outlets which areexits of ducts 17 and 18 have an elongated shape, the air including ahigh concentration of positive and negative ions can be emitted fromboth of the pair of outlets.

Preferably, electric equipment 100 further includes rib-like portion 36serving as a partition plate for partitioning the two needle-likeelectrodes that form the shorter one of interval D1 and distance L.Rib-like portion 36 forms a part of outer case 31 and is made of aninsulating resin material. With this, the two needle-like electrodesgenerating the ions of opposite polarities are spatially blocked byrib-like portion 36, and thus, it is possible to effectively suppress areduction in ion concentration caused by neutralization of the positiveand negative ions of opposite polarities.

Example

Examples of the present invention will be described hereinafter. FIG. 15is a schematic view showing a state in which ion generation apparatus 26according to Example 1 is arranged in air flow path 10. As shown in FIG.15, duct 15 for forming air flow path 10 was provided in a housing 14corresponding to the casing of electric equipment 100, and iongeneration apparatus 26 according to the first embodiment described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 5 was arranged in duct 15. As shown in FIG. 15,a dimension of housing 14 was set at a width of 300 mm and a height of150 mm, and a dimension of duct 15 was set at a width of 245 mm and aheight of 150 mm. The air was blown into this duct 15 by a not-showncross flow fan such that a flow velocity at discharge electrodes 40 was5 m/s.

Each of first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 was providedsuch that the needle tip thereof protruded from outer case 31 by 9.5 mm.Each of the distance between the needle tip of first needle-likeelectrode 41 and the needle tip of third needle-like electrode 43 aswell as the distance between the needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 42 and the needle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 44 wasset at 101 mm. Each of interval D1 between the needle tip of firstneedle-like electrode 41 and the needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 42 as well as interval D2 between the needle tip of thirdneedle-like electrode 43 and the needle tip of fourth needle-likeelectrode 44 was set at 42 mm.

Duct 15 was arranged such that the air flowed in the directionperpendicular to the drawing sheet of FIG. 15, and ion generationapparatus 26 was arranged, with outer case 31 standing in duct 15, suchthat the air flowing through duct 15 passed through space 38. As aresult, first to fourth needle-like electrodes 41 to 44 were arranged toextend in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the air flow induct 15. In order to bring conditions closer to those of an iongeneration apparatus according to Comparative Example 1 described below,ion generation apparatus 26 according to Example 1 was arranged to bedisplaced in the height direction in duct 15. Specifically, iongeneration apparatus 26 according to Example 1 was arranged such that anaxis connecting first needle-like electrode 41 and third needle-likeelectrode 43 was located at a position of 18.5 mm from an inner wall ofduct 15 on the bottom surface side.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which ion generationapparatus 26 according to Example 2 is arranged in air flow path 10. Iongeneration apparatus 26 according to Example 2 had the configuration ofion generation apparatus 26 according to the sixth embodiment describedwith reference to FIG. 14, i.e., the configuration in which inductionelectrode 45 was provided in a wiring pattern manner in high voltagegeneration circuit portion 53. As shown in FIG. 16, ion generationapparatus 26 according to Example 2 was similarly arranged in duct 15having the same shape as that of duct 15 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus 226 according to Comparative Example 1 is arranged in air flowpath 10. Ion generation apparatus 226 according to Comparative Example 1includes a first needle-like electrode 241, a second needle-likeelectrode 242, a third needle-like electrode 243, and a fourthneedle-like electrode 244 that are discharge electrodes, and fourannular induction electrodes that surround the respective dischargeelectrodes. A positive or negative high voltage is applied to each offirst to fourth needle-like electrodes 241 to 244, and each of first tofourth needle-like electrodes 241 to 244 generates positive ions ornegative ions.

Ion generation apparatus 226 according to Comparative Example 1described above was arranged in duct 15 having the same shape as that ofduct 15 in FIG. 15 and at a position on the bottom surface side in theheight direction in duct 15. First to fourth needle-like electrodes 241to 244 were provided such that the needle tips thereof protruded intoduct 15 by 7 mm.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a state in which an ion generationapparatus 326 according to Comparative Example 2 is arranged in air flowpath 10. In Comparative Example 2, two ion generation apparatuses 326and 326 are provided, and one ion generation apparatus 326 includes afirst needle-like electrode 341 and a second needle-like electrode 342that are discharge electrodes of opposite polarities, and two annularinduction electrodes that surround the respective discharge electrodes.The other ion generation apparatus 326 includes a third needle-likeelectrode 343 and a fourth needle-like electrode 344 that are dischargeelectrodes of opposite polarities, and two annular induction electrodesthat surround the respective discharge electrodes. A positive ornegative high voltage is applied to each of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 341 to 344, and each of first to fourth needle-likeelectrodes 341 to 344 generates positive ions or negative ions.

Ion generation apparatuses 326 and 326 according to Comparative Example2 described above were arranged in duct 15 having the same shape as thatof duct 15 in FIG. 15 and at a position on the lower side in the heightdirection in duct 15. First needle-like electrode 341 generating thepositive ions and third needle-like electrode 343 generating thenegative ions were arranged such that needle tips thereof faced eachother. Second needle-like electrode 342 generating the negative ions andfourth needle-like electrode 344 generating the positive ions werearranged such that needle tips thereof faced each other. Ion generationapparatuses 326 and 326 were arranged such that central axes of secondneedle-like electrode 342 and fourth needle-like electrode 344 werelocated at a position of 18 mm from an inner wall of duct 15 on thebottom surface side.

Each of the distance between the needle tip of first needle-likeelectrode 341 and the needle tip of third needle-like electrode 343 aswell as the distance between the needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 342 and the needle tip of fourth needle-like electrode 344 wasset at 112 mm. Each of the interval between the needle tip of firstneedle-like electrode 341 and the needle tip of second needle-likeelectrode 342 as well as the interval between the needle tip of thirdneedle-like electrode 343 and the needle tip of fourth needle-likeelectrode 344 was set at 38 mm.

Table 1 summarizes an integrated value of measurement values of ionconcentration in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1, with ComparativeExample 1 being standardized as 100%. The ion concentration was measuredat a position away from the electrodes by 350 mm on the downstream side(downwind side) of the air flow flowing through duct 15. Measurement wasconducted at a total of nine grid-like measurement points, i.e., threepoints in the width direction of duct 15 at an interval of 100 mm, andthree points in the height direction of duct 15 at an interval of 60 mm.

TABLE 1 Percentage of integrated value of amount of ions Comparative 100Example 1 Example 1 318

As shown in Table 1, the integrated value of the ion concentration atthe nine measurement points in Example 1 was 318% of that in ComparativeExample 1. From this result, it could be confirmed that ion generationapparatus 26 according to Example 1 can supply a larger amount ofpositive and negative ions as compared with ion generation apparatus 226according to Comparative Example 1, and the sufficient number ofpositive and negative ions can be supplied to the vicinity of the outletof ion generation apparatus 26.

Table 2 summarizes an integrated value of measurement values of ionconcentration at the aforementioned nine measurement points inComparative Example 2 and Example 1, with Comparative Example 1 beingstandardized as 100%.

TABLE 2 Percentage Percentage Percentage of of maximum of maximumintegrated value positive ion negative ion of amount concentrationconcentration of ions Comparative 100 100 100 Example 2 Example 1 171165 142

As shown in Table 2, the positive ion concentration at the ninemeasurement points in Example 1 was 171% of that in Comparative Example1, the negative ion concentration at the nine measurement points inExample 1 was 165% of that in Comparative Example 1, and the integratedvalue of the ion concentration at the nine measurement points in Example1 was 142% of that in Comparative Example 1. From this result, it couldbe confirmed that ion generation apparatus 26 according to Example 1 cansupply a larger amount of positive and negative ions as compared withion generation apparatus 326 according to Comparative Example 2, and thesufficient number of positive and negative ions can be supplied to thevicinity of the outlet of ion generation apparatus 26.

Table 3 summarizes an ion concentration at one measurement point inExamples 1 and 2 that is located away by 350 mm from the electrodes onthe downstream side (downwind side) of the air flow flowing through duct15 and at the center in the width direction of the inner wall of duct 15on the bottom surface side, with Example 1 being set as 100%.

TABLE 3 Percentage of Percentage of positive ion negative ionconcentration concentration Example 1 100 100 Example 2 101 103

As shown in Table 3, the positive ion concentration at one measurementpoint in Example 2 was 101% of that in Example 1, and the negative ionconcentration at one measurement point in Example 2 was 103% of that inExample 1. From this result, it could be confirmed that in Example 2 aswell in which induction electrode 45 is formed by the wiring pattern, asufficient amount of ions equal to or larger than that in ion generationapparatus 26 according to Example 1 can be supplied.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an ion concentration distribution onthe downstream side of ion generation apparatus 26 according toExample 1. FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an ion concentrationdistribution on the downstream side of ion generation apparatus 26according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 21 is a schematic view showingan ion concentration distribution on the downstream side of iongeneration apparatus 26 according to Comparative Example 2.

FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate, as a graph, a distribution of the lower oneof the positive ion concentration and the negative ion concentration(i.e., a distribution of the lower ion concentration when the positiveand negative ions are both present) measured at a position away by 350mm from the electrodes on the downstream side (downwind side) of the airflow flowing through duct 15 in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and2. In FIGS. 19 to 21, the vertical axis indicates a coordinate in theheight direction of duct 15, the horizontal axis indicates a coordinatein the width direction of duct 15, and the standardized ionconcentration is indicated by gradation of the graph. The center in thewidth direction of duct 15 and the inner wall on the bottom surface sidein the height direction of duct 15 were set as 0 of a coordinate axis.

In Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 20, a high ion concentration wasobtained near the center of the bottom surface of duct 15 provided withthe four needle-like electrodes, while the ion concentration was lownear a ceiling of duct 15 and on the right and left sides in the widthdirection of duct 15, and a range of presence of a high concentration ofions was small. In Comparative Example 2 shown in FIG. 21, the ions werepresent over a wider range than in Comparative Example 1. However, amaximum value of the ion concentration was smaller than that inComparative Example 1.

In contrast, in Example 1 shown in FIG. 19, a region where the positiveand negative ions were both present covered a wide range and the ionconcentration was higher than that in Comparative Example 2. Namely,comparing Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in terms of the ionconcentration near the coordinate axis of 0, it turns out that inExample 1, there is a region where a higher concentration of positiveions and a higher concentration of negative ions are both present, ascompared with Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it was shown that iongeneration apparatus 26 according to Example 1 can supply the sufficientnumber of positive and negative ions and can cause a high concentrationof positive and negative ions to be present over a wide range.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that the embodiments and examplesdisclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect.The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of theclaims, rather than the description above, and is intended to includeany modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the termsof the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 air flow path; 12, 15, 17, 18 duct; 16 air blower; 26 ion        generation apparatus; 31 outer case; 31 s outer surface; 32, 33        substrate housing portion; 34, 35, 36 rib-like portion; 37 first        wall surface; 38 space; 39 second wall surface; 40 discharge        electrode; 41 first needle-like electrode; 42 second needle-like        electrode; 43 third needle-like electrode; 44 fourth needle-like        electrode; 45 induction electrode; 50 base member; 51, 52        substrate; 51 a, 51 b, 52 a surface; 53 high voltage generation        circuit portion; 54, 55 substrate supporting case; 56, 57        wiring; 90 boosting circuit; 91 boosting transformer; 91 a        primary winding; 91 b secondary winding; 100 electric equipment;        D1 first interval; D2 second interval; L distance; N negative        ion; P positive ion; T1, T2 terminal.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An ion generation apparatus, comprising: anouter case; a power feeding portion housed in the outer case; a firstdischarge electrode extending to an outside of the outer case andgenerating positive ions by discharge; a second discharge electrodeextending to the outside of the outer case and generating negative ionsby discharge; an induction electrode between the first dischargeelectrode and the second discharge electrode and spaced apart from boththe first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode; and ahigh voltage generation circuit that generates a high voltage applied tothe first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode, thehigh voltage generation circuit includes a boosting transformerincluding a primary winding and a secondary winding, and one end of thesecondary winding is electrically connected to the first dischargeelectrode and the second discharge electrode and another end of thesecondary winding is electrically connected to the induction electrode,wherein the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrodeprotrude into an air flow path from a first wall surface that definesthe air flow path, and the first discharge electrode and the seconddischarge electrode extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to agas flowing direction in the air flow path, tip portions of the firstdischarge electrode and the second discharge electrode are spaced apartfrom each other and arranged in a line in the air flow path, and thefirst discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode areparallel with each other.
 2. The ion generation apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first wall surface includes an opening passingtherethrough; and the first discharge electrode and the second dischargeelectrode pass through the opening.
 3. The ion generation apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first discharge electrode and thesecond discharge electrode are arranged in line in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to the gas flowing direction in the air flowpath.
 4. Electric equipment, comprising: the ion generation apparatusaccording to claim 2; and an air blower that blows a gas into the airflow path.